How to Make a Dried Orange Garland

this idea

Last year I had planned to share this dried orange garland that I love to use in Christmas decor, but ran out of time to document one more project. This time of year can be a little crazy work-wise. So a year later, here it is for those that were asking, the tutorial for how we made our DIY dried orange garland!

I love the look of dried orange garlands mixed with simple greenery. It’s more natural decor and they have a slightly imperfect, homemade look, and I love that about it! And while the drying time for the oranges is a little long, it’s overall a really simple project, and easy and fun to do with kids. It gives you a chance to enjoy a slow moment during the busyness of the season. Put on some Christmas music, have a little snack and just enjoy a quiet activity – by yourself or with friends…quietness not guaranteed if making these with children! 😉

You can also use your dried orange slices to make a wreath. Find that tutorial here!

In the past, I made my garlands with string. This year, I did string and floral wire. Both are just about as easy to do as far as getting the slices on, the floral wire is nice because you won’t need a needle and blends into greenery.

Dried Orange Garland Supply List:

• oranges
• knife
• baking sheet
• parchment paper
• floral wire/string
• needle with a large eye
• scissors

Watch the video to see how we made our Dried Orange Garland (the steps are below as well):

• Preheat oven to 225ºF.

• Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

• Cut oranges into thin slices.
• Pat dry with a towel and bake at 225º for an hour (I do two trays at once).
• Flip slices over and bake for another hour, checking near the end to make sure slices aren’t getting too browned.
• Keep baking and checking every 15-20 minutes or so, taking out the ones that are browning, until all slices are just barely brown around the edges.
• Place slices on a cooling rack and let them dry out for another day or so. (I like to set mine by heat vents to help with the drying out process).
• Use a needle and string to thread the string through the slices. Or if using floral wire, just thread that through the slices. Make sure to leave extra string/wire at the ends to hang the garland with.

And for those that are curious about my greenery and decor, here’s a few details. The picture ledge has juniper branches on it (from a bush at my mom’s), the brass candle holders were all thrifted, the white tapered candles are from Target, and the print is a free printable from our friend Courtney’s blog – Scripture Advent Calendar. She also has an Etsy shop with more beautiful prints available – we love her work! The stairwell has a garland on it from Trader Joe’s – they have really good prices on garlands and wreaths!

What are some of your favorite holiday decorations??

-Manda